Humankindness at Work

What if you were known as someone FOR their community? What if every time someone thought of you, they felt supported and loved? In this episode, you'll meet Alex Cook, Outreach Coordinator at The Summit Church. You'll hear: The motivation behind the message of "FOR" Stories of how the FOR Trucks are making an impact Step 1 for duplicating this model In a world yelling about what they're against,...

How often are we in others' paths on purpose? In this episode, host Jennifer Clark shares a personal story of a difficult time in her family when a chance encounter turned out to be exactly what they needed. You'll hear: - About "nudges from God" - A simple way to make a difference with what you likely already have (that you've forgotten about!) Don't miss this heartfelt and vulnerable episode! --...

Dan Meers played the role of KC Wolf, the Kansas City Chiefs' mascot, for 35 years. After recently retiring from his career as the NFL's longest tenured mascot, Dan reflects on his life of influence - on and off the field. In this episode, you'll hear: Encouragement to use your influence well The choice you have to focus on your burdens or blessings How Dan is using his influence to make a differe...

Just a few years ago, Christine Banks' life looked completely different. She was working two jobs and living in government housing just to make ends meet for herself and her kids. Today, she's the proud owner of a thriving dog grooming salon in the Kansas City metro. How did she get there? An intentional invitation to change her life. And now, Christine is paying it forward, helping others break t...

Can storytelling really make a difference? In this episode, Jennifer Clark welcomes veteran voice actor Katie Leigh to share about her passion to help creatives learn to tell stories well. Katie has voiced memorable characters for the past three decades, including Connie Kendall in America’s favorite family radio drama Adventures in Odyssey , Baby Rowlf in the Emmy Award-Winning Jim Henson’s Muppe...

In this moving episode of Humankindess at Work, Jennifer Clark talks with Adam Wright about his journey of grief, and how he is recycling his pain into making a difference in his world. After the traumatic loss of his wife and son, Adam found ways to honor his late wife's passion for the planet and their dreams of raising their son to be a difference-maker in the world. In this episode, you'll hea...

What does a man in a superhero suit have to do with community transformation? Everything. Meet Dave Carroll — pastor, speaker, and the unexpected creator of "Captain Kindness" — who helped spark a 20-year kindness movement in Brantford, Ontario. What started with $1 car washes and late-night hot dogs turned into school visits, national TV appearances, and a cultural shift in how an entire city saw...

In this moving episode of the Humankindness at Work podcast, host Jennifer Clark sits down with her uncle, Dave Anderson, to share his powerful story of survival, gratitude, and second chances. After years of battling complications from diabetes, including the loss of his legs, Dave received a life-saving kidney and pancreas transplant thanks to the generosity of a young organ donor named Jesse....

Do you know the most underserved population in blood cancer treatment? It's children. In this episode, you'll meet Travis Bourbon - a regional advancement director of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - who is trying to make it possible for kids to receive treatment created for them. You'll hear: - Why being a listener and learner is the best way to serve - How the Leukemia & Lymphoma Societ...

How do you make a difference in the world when you face unexpected challenges? Sarah Kovac is proof that even challenges out of your control can be used for the good of others. Sarah was born with Arthrogryposis, which limits the use of her hands and arms. After recently losing her job, she created Five Star Adaptive (formerly Adapting Every Day) - a website dedicated to providing vetted products...

Did you know that half of foster parents quit within the first year? Katie Welch is trying to change that reality in Kansas City through Foster Light - a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster families. In this episode, you’ll hear: - Why Katie started Foster Light - The importance of “wraparound services” for foster families - Staggering statistics on foster youth - Easy ways for t...

Making a difference usually feels very ordinary. So how do you stay motivated to do the good work you want to do? In this episode, you'll meet Chris Chandler, Director of The Gathering KC, a beautiful revitalized space for community use on the east side of Kansas City. This space is the newest branch of The Hope Center - a non-profit which focuses on community development and youth programs. In th...

The grass is always greener somewhere else. But what if you made an effort to bring the change you want to see in your community? In this episode of the Humankindness at Work podcast, you'll meet Wes Simmons, the president and CEO of the 3D Institute and founder of The Joseph Company. In this episode, you'll hear: Wes' journey of choosing to stay in St. Joseph, Missouri, despite challenges The lea...

In this episode of the Humankindness at Work podcast, Jennifer Clark speaks with Samantha Compton, a financial advisor and president of Insight Wealth. She shares about her story of loneliness and how a single act of kindness from another woman led to the creation of Wise Women. In this episode, you'll hear: - A pivotal moment when a stranger's kindness changed Samantha's path - The creation of Wi...

In this episode of the Humankindness at Work podcast, Jennifer Clark speaks with Sue Byrne, the Executive Director of York Street Project, about the interconnected challenges of poverty and homelessness. Sue shares insights into the mission of York Street Project, which provides housing, education, and support services to women and children in need. In this episode, you’ll hear: - How York Street...

In this episode of the Humankindness at Work podcast, Jennifer Clark speaks with Jacob Taylor about the housing challenges in St. Joseph, Missouri, and how he and his wife, Megan, are addressing these issues through their initiative, Cedar Bridge Company. In this episode, you’ll hear an inspiring conversation on: The personal journey that led Jacob to develop skills in home renovation The balance...

In this episode of the Humankindness at Work podcast, Jennifer Clark reconnects with her former vocal instructor, Karla Goettel, who played a pivotal role in her vocal development during high school. They discuss the profound impact of kindness in teaching, the importance of personal connections, and the legacy that educators leave on their students. Karla shares her motivations for offering schol...

In this episode of the Humankindness at Work podcast, Jennifer Clark speaks with Dustin and Christina Hite, co-founders of A Faithful Presence, a nonprofit organization in Austin, Texas. They share their journey of moving from Illinois to a tiny home community called Community First Village, where they live alongside individuals recovering from chronic homelessness. In this episode, you’ll hear: W...

In this episode of the Humankindness at Work podcast, you’ll meet Kelly Lightfoot, a creative entrepreneur from Kansas City. Kelly shares her journey of starting the Lightfoot Collection, a jewelry business that donates all profits to nonprofits. In this episode, you’ll hear: How you can use your gifts to benefit others About outside-of-the-box generosity A business model that can be replicated to...

Do you want to make a difference in the world, but you’re not sure where to start? The problems humanity faces can seem overwhelming. Hardship feels endless. Our troubles are so big we can’t see past them, let alone help someone else. How can one person change any of that? Start here. Every other Monday, join Humankindness at Work to hear short, inspiring stories of people just like you making a d...